The Merkur 39C Slant Sledgehammer Double-Edge Safety Razor has a slanted blade guard inducing a slicing motion during shaving. A sturdy handle, which is almost double the weight of the Merkur HD, completes this modern and elegant design.

Compatible with all standard double edge blades (i.e. Astra, Derby, Merkur and Feather). Most of our customers who are trying out a safety razor for the first time recommend also buying a razor blade sampler as an affordable way to figure out which blade brand is best suited to their skin type, style of shaving and razor type, before making a purchase of a large quantity of blades of a single brand.

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Like a fine sports car, this razor requires skill and awareness to tame its “aggressive” nature. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and you’ll drive your way to a close, irritation-free shave every time. It slices through 3 days of growth with ease and achieves super-smooth results in only two passes. I have an extremely sensitive neck area, and the Sledgehammer has served to reduce irritation there by 90% or more due to its superior cutting ability.

I got the Merkur 39C as my first safety razor. The learning curve is fairly high I would say as it weighs a lot more than the Gillette Fusion I was using. This razor might not be the best choice for a first timer but once I got used to it and learned how to properly shave the difference is amazing, I have really coarse hair that grows in multiple directions pairing this Merkur with Feather blades is amazing. Zero razor burn no tugging on the hairs like I was feeling with the Fusion, I'll never go back.

Just got this razor. Fendrihan did an excellent job as usual in getting this product to me quickly and expertly packaged. Razor has a excellent weight and feel in the hand. I like the longer handle. Very close shave and pleasant to use. The next day my face still felt smooth. Not as intimidating as I thought it would be. I look forward to using this razor over the others. Nicely done Merkur.

OH what a fine razor!! I was kind of hesitant on my first shave because of the rep of this beast but I went ahead cautiously and wow was I surprised.this one beats them all for a close shave. WHAT A PLEASURE TO USE

This razor is truly amazing, it is a very close shave, has to be the best Safety razor shave possible. Its a very solid and heavy razor, feels great in your hand. The blade is locked down and never loosens unlike other DE razors I've tried. As far as blades go I've tried Shark, Astra and the Merkur blade which all worked very well, only the Gardilla blade seemed thin and chattered but still decent. I don't think I have tough skin but I had no issues cutting myself, I was cautious at first because of the reviews I read here but eventually sped up, it doesn't seem any less safe than a regular DE razor, no patience required. There is no difference between sides, I can turn over the razor and keep on shaving exactly the same way. This is now my daily razor, I keep the straight razor for the days I have the time.
This razor shaves with ease and plows through a thick growth easily undoubtedly another advantage of the slant.

I bought this razor from Fendrihan and it arrived on time and well packaged. The razor is hefty and solid-feeling; built to outlast it's buyer. I've tried both Feather blades and Personna (from Israel), and I'm very impressed with with the Sledgehammer so far. I'm going to try Shark blades next. The only caveat I have (and reason for me giving 4 rather than 5 stars) is that from my experience, you really have to take your time if you want a really close shave. I usually shave with the grain, across the grain, and finally, against the grain, and have found this razor requires some additional care and time...otherwise you can easily cut yourself quite easily. If you're willing to be a little patient, however, you'll have a great shave with this razor.

I had been using my 34C HD from Fendrihan for the past year and a half and felt I wanted to try something slightly more aggressive. After doing some research and reading reviews, I decided to order the sledgehammer.
When my package was listed as shipped and delivered by Canada Post I had not actually received it. I notified Fendrihan and they filed a claim with CP and days later another one was re-shipped at no extra charge. Amazing! The customer service in the email follow ups was fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my new sledgehammer. It's the perfect progression up from the 34C HD...one smooth glide. Do not hesitate to pick up this razor!

The first time I used it with a Feather yellow blade, I felt very happy for the close shave but very upset because I had a lot of knicks and irritation. I was ready to just give it to a friend of mine who has very thick facial hair. I decided to give it another try a couple of days later and the second shave it was as good as the first one with just much less irritation. More experience was needed from my part, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a "Mustang" of a razor as the Merkur 39C. Now I use it twice a week with the Precision blades that are a bit less sharp than the Feather and I LOVE IT. Very well balanced, heavy, long handle and beautiful finish. The sledgehammer rivals my Edwin Jagger. It is awesome.

This has become my favorite razor. For my sensitive skin and tough beard it is the perfect combination. Since it is more efficient, less effort is needed to get a smooth shave and thus I get less irritation (actually no irritation). Don't be afraid of trying it. It may look scary but in use it is anything but and is very intuitive. I have yet to get a nick or even a single weeper from this razor. I haven't even had the inclination to use my other razors since getting this one. It's that good.

Everything I ever heard about slant razors came true with this razor. I get a comfortable, extremely close shave that, because of the angle (slant) of the blade, slices through your beard more efficiently than a straight cut razor (compare a guillotine to a butcher knife -- the slight angle just slides through the beard). It's heavy and definitely makes a great second razor, and as I've read a thousand times, you have to try it, you just have to try it to see what everyone is saying.

I love shaving with my Sledgehammer, it is one of my most enjoyable shaves out of my DE collection. It has a nice grip to it and for an aggressive razor, it feels great on the face. I like my razors with some heft and the Sledgehammer delivers. The weight of it makes it so the I do not have to put any pressure on it at all, so I just relax and let the razor do all the work.

This has to be the best razor in history. I was a little skeptical as to how different it could be from other razors that I had tried, but I requested it as a birthday present nonetheless. It is a vicious-looking beast, described by a review that I read as looking "like the front end of Lucifer's pickup truck" which - while dramatic - is rather apt. When shaving with this, there is a very different sound than the "popping" which I have gotten with straight-on Weishi and Merkur DE units. Still seems like you can hear every hair cutting, but the sound has changed. Because it is so sharp, slanted, and has so much blade exposed, it is very easy to carve your face like so much clay - I did take a shallow but sizable swathe from my chin on the first shave, but otherwise there were remarkably fewer nicks than on some occasions. The lesson here is that you genuinely must use the lightest touch you can imagine - the weight of this beefy razor will do the shaving for you, and it will do the best job you can even imagine. Respect it, but do not fear it - this is one incredible double-edge razor.

Just had my first shave with the Sledgehammer Slant. Because I'd read so much scary stuff about how dangerous the razor is, I used a cheap drugstore blade. Two days of stubble, and I got one of the best shaves ever. BBS, not a nick or a scratch. LOVE this razor, and next time I'm using a Feather blade.

I have tried several DE razors looking for the perfect shave.
The closest I had come to a BBS shave was with a vintage
Gillette Red Tip, even the old adjustable's did not quite cut it.
(no pun intended)
The Merkur Slant Sledgehammer has a perfect balance and weight to do the job while not feeling like an aggressive razor, delivering a BBS shave every time.
The closest thing to a straight razor shave I have in my razor rotation. Nice looking piece of machinery as well!

I feel the 39C Slant Sledgehammer is a treasure (the name made me hesitate briefly when thinking about ordering it, wondering why a razor would be compared to a sledgehammer until I figured the point was simply its weight). I am astonished how much I like this razor. I feel it allows more of the control - for example allowing a close shave right up to the edge of my beard - that previously only a straight razor seemed to offer but the 39C provides the significant convenience and safety of a safety razor (less precision of technique seems required for a good shave than with a straight razor and besides its being easier to shave without cuts, in the event of cutting significant protection is offered by the safety razor design against its going too deep).
I have used safety razors before, Mach 3 type multiple bladed steel and plastic devices, and even, for a while, a straight razor (though I did not shave my head in those days and shaved less frequently and less of my face as I had a larger beard then - I now shave more frequently and larger areas of my face as well as my head... ). I would not venture to regularly shave as much of my face as I do now and certainly not my head with a straight razor, given my memories of the result of impatience on two occasions when I was using the straight razor.
While other razors I remember using in the past may have been a little more forgiving of carelessness and inattention than the 39C, the difference does not seem to me very great. They still could 'bite' and the 39C I feel, more than any other razor I have ever used [including, given my level of skill, even the straight razor], can give a wonderfully close, precisely controlled, smooth comfortable shave.

I first purchased a Merkur 23c off of this site and was pleased with it. It was my introductory DE razor and it was non-aggressive, easy to clean, and a good value. After a few months, I found that I needed something a bit more aggressive. After scouring the internet for weeks for reviews and comments, the 39c sounded like the next logical step. Changing the blade must be done with care as it doesn't always click in parallel to the edge of the razor. It's heavy, but with a good blade (Astra SP's are my choice), it gives an unbelievably close and smooth shave. Initially I did get a few more nicks than I was use to, but after a few shaves irritation free is easy. Highly recommended.

Started 3 yrs ago with a 23C ( excellent choice), then went with a 38C (very pleased). Then wanted less irritation so switched to the slant, thinking that the 39C would require less adjusting to when switching as its the same handle as the 38C. Wrong choice for me.
The slant gives me wonderful, close shaves with even less irritation than the 38C and takes less time to get there. Only drawback is the handle which I consider too long and heavy for this type of shaving head, I find that it reduces the maneuverability of the razor.
Ordering the traditional slant today and will be putting my 39C on Kijiji.

Like a fine sports car, this razor requires skill and awareness to tame its “aggressive” nature. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and you’ll drive your way to a close, irritation-free shave every time. It slices through 3 days of growth with ease and achieves super-smooth results in only two passes. I have an extremely sensitive neck area, and the Sledgehammer has served to reduce irritation there by 90% or more due to its superior cutting ability.

I got the Merkur 39C as my first safety razor. The learning curve is fairly high I would say as it weighs a lot more than the Gillette Fusion I was using. This razor might not be the best choice for a first timer but once I got used to it and learned how to properly shave the difference is amazing, I have really coarse hair that grows in multiple directions pairing this Merkur with Feather blades is amazing. Zero razor burn no tugging on the hairs like I was feeling with the Fusion, I'll never go back.

Just got this razor. Fendrihan did an excellent job as usual in getting this product to me quickly and expertly packaged. Razor has a excellent weight and feel in the hand. I like the longer handle. Very close shave and pleasant to use. The next day my face still felt smooth. Not as intimidating as I thought it would be. I look forward to using this razor over the others. Nicely done Merkur.

OH what a fine razor!! I was kind of hesitant on my first shave because of the rep of this beast but I went ahead cautiously and wow was I surprised.this one beats them all for a close shave. WHAT A PLEASURE TO USE

This razor is truly amazing, it is a very close shave, has to be the best Safety razor shave possible. Its a very solid and heavy razor, feels great in your hand. The blade is locked down and never loosens unlike other DE razors I've tried. As far as blades go I've tried Shark, Astra and the Merkur blade which all worked very well, only the Gardilla blade seemed thin and chattered but still decent. I don't think I have tough skin but I had no issues cutting myself, I was cautious at first because of the reviews I read here but eventually sped up, it doesn't seem any less safe than a regular DE razor, no patience required. There is no difference between sides, I can turn over the razor and keep on shaving exactly the same way. This is now my daily razor, I keep the straight razor for the days I have the time.
This razor shaves with ease and plows through a thick growth easily undoubtedly another advantage of the slant.

I bought this razor from Fendrihan and it arrived on time and well packaged. The razor is hefty and solid-feeling; built to outlast it's buyer. I've tried both Feather blades and Personna (from Israel), and I'm very impressed with with the Sledgehammer so far. I'm going to try Shark blades next. The only caveat I have (and reason for me giving 4 rather than 5 stars) is that from my experience, you really have to take your time if you want a really close shave. I usually shave with the grain, across the grain, and finally, against the grain, and have found this razor requires some additional care and time...otherwise you can easily cut yourself quite easily. If you're willing to be a little patient, however, you'll have a great shave with this razor.

I had been using my 34C HD from Fendrihan for the past year and a half and felt I wanted to try something slightly more aggressive. After doing some research and reading reviews, I decided to order the sledgehammer.
When my package was listed as shipped and delivered by Canada Post I had not actually received it. I notified Fendrihan and they filed a claim with CP and days later another one was re-shipped at no extra charge. Amazing! The customer service in the email follow ups was fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my new sledgehammer. It's the perfect progression up from the 34C HD...one smooth glide. Do not hesitate to pick up this razor!

The first time I used it with a Feather yellow blade, I felt very happy for the close shave but very upset because I had a lot of knicks and irritation. I was ready to just give it to a friend of mine who has very thick facial hair. I decided to give it another try a couple of days later and the second shave it was as good as the first one with just much less irritation. More experience was needed from my part, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a "Mustang" of a razor as the Merkur 39C. Now I use it twice a week with the Precision blades that are a bit less sharp than the Feather and I LOVE IT. Very well balanced, heavy, long handle and beautiful finish. The sledgehammer rivals my Edwin Jagger. It is awesome.

This has become my favorite razor. For my sensitive skin and tough beard it is the perfect combination. Since it is more efficient, less effort is needed to get a smooth shave and thus I get less irritation (actually no irritation). Don't be afraid of trying it. It may look scary but in use it is anything but and is very intuitive. I have yet to get a nick or even a single weeper from this razor. I haven't even had the inclination to use my other razors since getting this one. It's that good.

Everything I ever heard about slant razors came true with this razor. I get a comfortable, extremely close shave that, because of the angle (slant) of the blade, slices through your beard more efficiently than a straight cut razor (compare a guillotine to a butcher knife -- the slight angle just slides through the beard). It's heavy and definitely makes a great second razor, and as I've read a thousand times, you have to try it, you just have to try it to see what everyone is saying.

I love shaving with my Sledgehammer, it is one of my most enjoyable shaves out of my DE collection. It has a nice grip to it and for an aggressive razor, it feels great on the face. I like my razors with some heft and the Sledgehammer delivers. The weight of it makes it so the I do not have to put any pressure on it at all, so I just relax and let the razor do all the work.

This has to be the best razor in history. I was a little skeptical as to how different it could be from other razors that I had tried, but I requested it as a birthday present nonetheless. It is a vicious-looking beast, described by a review that I read as looking "like the front end of Lucifer's pickup truck" which - while dramatic - is rather apt. When shaving with this, there is a very different sound than the "popping" which I have gotten with straight-on Weishi and Merkur DE units. Still seems like you can hear every hair cutting, but the sound has changed. Because it is so sharp, slanted, and has so much blade exposed, it is very easy to carve your face like so much clay - I did take a shallow but sizable swathe from my chin on the first shave, but otherwise there were remarkably fewer nicks than on some occasions. The lesson here is that you genuinely must use the lightest touch you can imagine - the weight of this beefy razor will do the shaving for you, and it will do the best job you can even imagine. Respect it, but do not fear it - this is one incredible double-edge razor.

Just had my first shave with the Sledgehammer Slant. Because I'd read so much scary stuff about how dangerous the razor is, I used a cheap drugstore blade. Two days of stubble, and I got one of the best shaves ever. BBS, not a nick or a scratch. LOVE this razor, and next time I'm using a Feather blade.

I have tried several DE razors looking for the perfect shave.
The closest I had come to a BBS shave was with a vintage
Gillette Red Tip, even the old adjustable's did not quite cut it.
(no pun intended)
The Merkur Slant Sledgehammer has a perfect balance and weight to do the job while not feeling like an aggressive razor, delivering a BBS shave every time.
The closest thing to a straight razor shave I have in my razor rotation. Nice looking piece of machinery as well!

I feel the 39C Slant Sledgehammer is a treasure (the name made me hesitate briefly when thinking about ordering it, wondering why a razor would be compared to a sledgehammer until I figured the point was simply its weight). I am astonished how much I like this razor. I feel it allows more of the control - for example allowing a close shave right up to the edge of my beard - that previously only a straight razor seemed to offer but the 39C provides the significant convenience and safety of a safety razor (less precision of technique seems required for a good shave than with a straight razor and besides its being easier to shave without cuts, in the event of cutting significant protection is offered by the safety razor design against its going too deep).
I have used safety razors before, Mach 3 type multiple bladed steel and plastic devices, and even, for a while, a straight razor (though I did not shave my head in those days and shaved less frequently and less of my face as I had a larger beard then - I now shave more frequently and larger areas of my face as well as my head... ). I would not venture to regularly shave as much of my face as I do now and certainly not my head with a straight razor, given my memories of the result of impatience on two occasions when I was using the straight razor.
While other razors I remember using in the past may have been a little more forgiving of carelessness and inattention than the 39C, the difference does not seem to me very great. They still could 'bite' and the 39C I feel, more than any other razor I have ever used [including, given my level of skill, even the straight razor], can give a wonderfully close, precisely controlled, smooth comfortable shave.

I first purchased a Merkur 23c off of this site and was pleased with it. It was my introductory DE razor and it was non-aggressive, easy to clean, and a good value. After a few months, I found that I needed something a bit more aggressive. After scouring the internet for weeks for reviews and comments, the 39c sounded like the next logical step. Changing the blade must be done with care as it doesn't always click in parallel to the edge of the razor. It's heavy, but with a good blade (Astra SP's are my choice), it gives an unbelievably close and smooth shave. Initially I did get a few more nicks than I was use to, but after a few shaves irritation free is easy. Highly recommended.

Started 3 yrs ago with a 23C ( excellent choice), then went with a 38C (very pleased). Then wanted less irritation so switched to the slant, thinking that the 39C would require less adjusting to when switching as its the same handle as the 38C. Wrong choice for me.
The slant gives me wonderful, close shaves with even less irritation than the 38C and takes less time to get there. Only drawback is the handle which I consider too long and heavy for this type of shaving head, I find that it reduces the maneuverability of the razor.
Ordering the traditional slant today and will be putting my 39C on Kijiji.

Started 3 yrs ago with a 23C ( excellent choice), then went with a 38C (very pleased). Then wanted less irritation so switched to the slant, thinking that the 39C would require less adjusting to when switching as its the same handle as the 38C. Wrong choice for me.
The slant gives me wonderful, close shaves with even less irritation than the 38C and takes less time to get there. Only drawback is the handle which I consider too long and heavy for this type of shaving head, I find that it reduces the maneuverability of the razor.
Ordering the traditional slant today and will be putting my 39C on Kijiji.

I bought this razor from Fendrihan and it arrived on time and well packaged. The razor is hefty and solid-feeling; built to outlast it's buyer. I've tried both Feather blades and Personna (from Israel), and I'm very impressed with with the Sledgehammer so far. I'm going to try Shark blades next. The only caveat I have (and reason for me giving 4 rather than 5 stars) is that from my experience, you really have to take your time if you want a really close shave. I usually shave with the grain, across the grain, and finally, against the grain, and have found this razor requires some additional care and time...otherwise you can easily cut yourself quite easily. If you're willing to be a little patient, however, you'll have a great shave with this razor.

Like a fine sports car, this razor requires skill and awareness to tame its “aggressive” nature. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and you’ll drive your way to a close, irritation-free shave every time. It slices through 3 days of growth with ease and achieves super-smooth results in only two passes. I have an extremely sensitive neck area, and the Sledgehammer has served to reduce irritation there by 90% or more due to its superior cutting ability.

I got the Merkur 39C as my first safety razor. The learning curve is fairly high I would say as it weighs a lot more than the Gillette Fusion I was using. This razor might not be the best choice for a first timer but once I got used to it and learned how to properly shave the difference is amazing, I have really coarse hair that grows in multiple directions pairing this Merkur with Feather blades is amazing. Zero razor burn no tugging on the hairs like I was feeling with the Fusion, I'll never go back.

Just got this razor. Fendrihan did an excellent job as usual in getting this product to me quickly and expertly packaged. Razor has a excellent weight and feel in the hand. I like the longer handle. Very close shave and pleasant to use. The next day my face still felt smooth. Not as intimidating as I thought it would be. I look forward to using this razor over the others. Nicely done Merkur.

OH what a fine razor!! I was kind of hesitant on my first shave because of the rep of this beast but I went ahead cautiously and wow was I surprised.this one beats them all for a close shave. WHAT A PLEASURE TO USE

This razor is truly amazing, it is a very close shave, has to be the best Safety razor shave possible. Its a very solid and heavy razor, feels great in your hand. The blade is locked down and never loosens unlike other DE razors I've tried. As far as blades go I've tried Shark, Astra and the Merkur blade which all worked very well, only the Gardilla blade seemed thin and chattered but still decent. I don't think I have tough skin but I had no issues cutting myself, I was cautious at first because of the reviews I read here but eventually sped up, it doesn't seem any less safe than a regular DE razor, no patience required. There is no difference between sides, I can turn over the razor and keep on shaving exactly the same way. This is now my daily razor, I keep the straight razor for the days I have the time.
This razor shaves with ease and plows through a thick growth easily undoubtedly another advantage of the slant.

I had been using my 34C HD from Fendrihan for the past year and a half and felt I wanted to try something slightly more aggressive. After doing some research and reading reviews, I decided to order the sledgehammer.
When my package was listed as shipped and delivered by Canada Post I had not actually received it. I notified Fendrihan and they filed a claim with CP and days later another one was re-shipped at no extra charge. Amazing! The customer service in the email follow ups was fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my new sledgehammer. It's the perfect progression up from the 34C HD...one smooth glide. Do not hesitate to pick up this razor!

The first time I used it with a Feather yellow blade, I felt very happy for the close shave but very upset because I had a lot of knicks and irritation. I was ready to just give it to a friend of mine who has very thick facial hair. I decided to give it another try a couple of days later and the second shave it was as good as the first one with just much less irritation. More experience was needed from my part, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a "Mustang" of a razor as the Merkur 39C. Now I use it twice a week with the Precision blades that are a bit less sharp than the Feather and I LOVE IT. Very well balanced, heavy, long handle and beautiful finish. The sledgehammer rivals my Edwin Jagger. It is awesome.

This has become my favorite razor. For my sensitive skin and tough beard it is the perfect combination. Since it is more efficient, less effort is needed to get a smooth shave and thus I get less irritation (actually no irritation). Don't be afraid of trying it. It may look scary but in use it is anything but and is very intuitive. I have yet to get a nick or even a single weeper from this razor. I haven't even had the inclination to use my other razors since getting this one. It's that good.

Everything I ever heard about slant razors came true with this razor. I get a comfortable, extremely close shave that, because of the angle (slant) of the blade, slices through your beard more efficiently than a straight cut razor (compare a guillotine to a butcher knife -- the slight angle just slides through the beard). It's heavy and definitely makes a great second razor, and as I've read a thousand times, you have to try it, you just have to try it to see what everyone is saying.

I love shaving with my Sledgehammer, it is one of my most enjoyable shaves out of my DE collection. It has a nice grip to it and for an aggressive razor, it feels great on the face. I like my razors with some heft and the Sledgehammer delivers. The weight of it makes it so the I do not have to put any pressure on it at all, so I just relax and let the razor do all the work.

This has to be the best razor in history. I was a little skeptical as to how different it could be from other razors that I had tried, but I requested it as a birthday present nonetheless. It is a vicious-looking beast, described by a review that I read as looking "like the front end of Lucifer's pickup truck" which - while dramatic - is rather apt. When shaving with this, there is a very different sound than the "popping" which I have gotten with straight-on Weishi and Merkur DE units. Still seems like you can hear every hair cutting, but the sound has changed. Because it is so sharp, slanted, and has so much blade exposed, it is very easy to carve your face like so much clay - I did take a shallow but sizable swathe from my chin on the first shave, but otherwise there were remarkably fewer nicks than on some occasions. The lesson here is that you genuinely must use the lightest touch you can imagine - the weight of this beefy razor will do the shaving for you, and it will do the best job you can even imagine. Respect it, but do not fear it - this is one incredible double-edge razor.

Just had my first shave with the Sledgehammer Slant. Because I'd read so much scary stuff about how dangerous the razor is, I used a cheap drugstore blade. Two days of stubble, and I got one of the best shaves ever. BBS, not a nick or a scratch. LOVE this razor, and next time I'm using a Feather blade.

I have tried several DE razors looking for the perfect shave.
The closest I had come to a BBS shave was with a vintage
Gillette Red Tip, even the old adjustable's did not quite cut it.
(no pun intended)
The Merkur Slant Sledgehammer has a perfect balance and weight to do the job while not feeling like an aggressive razor, delivering a BBS shave every time.
The closest thing to a straight razor shave I have in my razor rotation. Nice looking piece of machinery as well!

I feel the 39C Slant Sledgehammer is a treasure (the name made me hesitate briefly when thinking about ordering it, wondering why a razor would be compared to a sledgehammer until I figured the point was simply its weight). I am astonished how much I like this razor. I feel it allows more of the control - for example allowing a close shave right up to the edge of my beard - that previously only a straight razor seemed to offer but the 39C provides the significant convenience and safety of a safety razor (less precision of technique seems required for a good shave than with a straight razor and besides its being easier to shave without cuts, in the event of cutting significant protection is offered by the safety razor design against its going too deep).
I have used safety razors before, Mach 3 type multiple bladed steel and plastic devices, and even, for a while, a straight razor (though I did not shave my head in those days and shaved less frequently and less of my face as I had a larger beard then - I now shave more frequently and larger areas of my face as well as my head... ). I would not venture to regularly shave as much of my face as I do now and certainly not my head with a straight razor, given my memories of the result of impatience on two occasions when I was using the straight razor.
While other razors I remember using in the past may have been a little more forgiving of carelessness and inattention than the 39C, the difference does not seem to me very great. They still could 'bite' and the 39C I feel, more than any other razor I have ever used [including, given my level of skill, even the straight razor], can give a wonderfully close, precisely controlled, smooth comfortable shave.

I first purchased a Merkur 23c off of this site and was pleased with it. It was my introductory DE razor and it was non-aggressive, easy to clean, and a good value. After a few months, I found that I needed something a bit more aggressive. After scouring the internet for weeks for reviews and comments, the 39c sounded like the next logical step. Changing the blade must be done with care as it doesn't always click in parallel to the edge of the razor. It's heavy, but with a good blade (Astra SP's are my choice), it gives an unbelievably close and smooth shave. Initially I did get a few more nicks than I was use to, but after a few shaves irritation free is easy. Highly recommended.

Started 3 yrs ago with a 23C ( excellent choice), then went with a 38C (very pleased). Then wanted less irritation so switched to the slant, thinking that the 39C would require less adjusting to when switching as its the same handle as the 38C. Wrong choice for me.
The slant gives me wonderful, close shaves with even less irritation than the 38C and takes less time to get there. Only drawback is the handle which I consider too long and heavy for this type of shaving head, I find that it reduces the maneuverability of the razor.
Ordering the traditional slant today and will be putting my 39C on Kijiji.

I bought this razor from Fendrihan and it arrived on time and well packaged. The razor is hefty and solid-feeling; built to outlast it's buyer. I've tried both Feather blades and Personna (from Israel), and I'm very impressed with with the Sledgehammer so far. I'm going to try Shark blades next. The only caveat I have (and reason for me giving 4 rather than 5 stars) is that from my experience, you really have to take your time if you want a really close shave. I usually shave with the grain, across the grain, and finally, against the grain, and have found this razor requires some additional care and time...otherwise you can easily cut yourself quite easily. If you're willing to be a little patient, however, you'll have a great shave with this razor.

Like a fine sports car, this razor requires skill and awareness to tame its “aggressive” nature. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and you’ll drive your way to a close, irritation-free shave every time. It slices through 3 days of growth with ease and achieves super-smooth results in only two passes. I have an extremely sensitive neck area, and the Sledgehammer has served to reduce irritation there by 90% or more due to its superior cutting ability.

I got the Merkur 39C as my first safety razor. The learning curve is fairly high I would say as it weighs a lot more than the Gillette Fusion I was using. This razor might not be the best choice for a first timer but once I got used to it and learned how to properly shave the difference is amazing, I have really coarse hair that grows in multiple directions pairing this Merkur with Feather blades is amazing. Zero razor burn no tugging on the hairs like I was feeling with the Fusion, I'll never go back.

Just got this razor. Fendrihan did an excellent job as usual in getting this product to me quickly and expertly packaged. Razor has a excellent weight and feel in the hand. I like the longer handle. Very close shave and pleasant to use. The next day my face still felt smooth. Not as intimidating as I thought it would be. I look forward to using this razor over the others. Nicely done Merkur.

OH what a fine razor!! I was kind of hesitant on my first shave because of the rep of this beast but I went ahead cautiously and wow was I surprised.this one beats them all for a close shave. WHAT A PLEASURE TO USE

This razor is truly amazing, it is a very close shave, has to be the best Safety razor shave possible. Its a very solid and heavy razor, feels great in your hand. The blade is locked down and never loosens unlike other DE razors I've tried. As far as blades go I've tried Shark, Astra and the Merkur blade which all worked very well, only the Gardilla blade seemed thin and chattered but still decent. I don't think I have tough skin but I had no issues cutting myself, I was cautious at first because of the reviews I read here but eventually sped up, it doesn't seem any less safe than a regular DE razor, no patience required. There is no difference between sides, I can turn over the razor and keep on shaving exactly the same way. This is now my daily razor, I keep the straight razor for the days I have the time.
This razor shaves with ease and plows through a thick growth easily undoubtedly another advantage of the slant.

I had been using my 34C HD from Fendrihan for the past year and a half and felt I wanted to try something slightly more aggressive. After doing some research and reading reviews, I decided to order the sledgehammer.
When my package was listed as shipped and delivered by Canada Post I had not actually received it. I notified Fendrihan and they filed a claim with CP and days later another one was re-shipped at no extra charge. Amazing! The customer service in the email follow ups was fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my new sledgehammer. It's the perfect progression up from the 34C HD...one smooth glide. Do not hesitate to pick up this razor!

The first time I used it with a Feather yellow blade, I felt very happy for the close shave but very upset because I had a lot of knicks and irritation. I was ready to just give it to a friend of mine who has very thick facial hair. I decided to give it another try a couple of days later and the second shave it was as good as the first one with just much less irritation. More experience was needed from my part, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a "Mustang" of a razor as the Merkur 39C. Now I use it twice a week with the Precision blades that are a bit less sharp than the Feather and I LOVE IT. Very well balanced, heavy, long handle and beautiful finish. The sledgehammer rivals my Edwin Jagger. It is awesome.

This has become my favorite razor. For my sensitive skin and tough beard it is the perfect combination. Since it is more efficient, less effort is needed to get a smooth shave and thus I get less irritation (actually no irritation). Don't be afraid of trying it. It may look scary but in use it is anything but and is very intuitive. I have yet to get a nick or even a single weeper from this razor. I haven't even had the inclination to use my other razors since getting this one. It's that good.

Everything I ever heard about slant razors came true with this razor. I get a comfortable, extremely close shave that, because of the angle (slant) of the blade, slices through your beard more efficiently than a straight cut razor (compare a guillotine to a butcher knife -- the slight angle just slides through the beard). It's heavy and definitely makes a great second razor, and as I've read a thousand times, you have to try it, you just have to try it to see what everyone is saying.

I love shaving with my Sledgehammer, it is one of my most enjoyable shaves out of my DE collection. It has a nice grip to it and for an aggressive razor, it feels great on the face. I like my razors with some heft and the Sledgehammer delivers. The weight of it makes it so the I do not have to put any pressure on it at all, so I just relax and let the razor do all the work.

This has to be the best razor in history. I was a little skeptical as to how different it could be from other razors that I had tried, but I requested it as a birthday present nonetheless. It is a vicious-looking beast, described by a review that I read as looking "like the front end of Lucifer's pickup truck" which - while dramatic - is rather apt. When shaving with this, there is a very different sound than the "popping" which I have gotten with straight-on Weishi and Merkur DE units. Still seems like you can hear every hair cutting, but the sound has changed. Because it is so sharp, slanted, and has so much blade exposed, it is very easy to carve your face like so much clay - I did take a shallow but sizable swathe from my chin on the first shave, but otherwise there were remarkably fewer nicks than on some occasions. The lesson here is that you genuinely must use the lightest touch you can imagine - the weight of this beefy razor will do the shaving for you, and it will do the best job you can even imagine. Respect it, but do not fear it - this is one incredible double-edge razor.

Just had my first shave with the Sledgehammer Slant. Because I'd read so much scary stuff about how dangerous the razor is, I used a cheap drugstore blade. Two days of stubble, and I got one of the best shaves ever. BBS, not a nick or a scratch. LOVE this razor, and next time I'm using a Feather blade.

I have tried several DE razors looking for the perfect shave.
The closest I had come to a BBS shave was with a vintage
Gillette Red Tip, even the old adjustable's did not quite cut it.
(no pun intended)
The Merkur Slant Sledgehammer has a perfect balance and weight to do the job while not feeling like an aggressive razor, delivering a BBS shave every time.
The closest thing to a straight razor shave I have in my razor rotation. Nice looking piece of machinery as well!

I feel the 39C Slant Sledgehammer is a treasure (the name made me hesitate briefly when thinking about ordering it, wondering why a razor would be compared to a sledgehammer until I figured the point was simply its weight). I am astonished how much I like this razor. I feel it allows more of the control - for example allowing a close shave right up to the edge of my beard - that previously only a straight razor seemed to offer but the 39C provides the significant convenience and safety of a safety razor (less precision of technique seems required for a good shave than with a straight razor and besides its being easier to shave without cuts, in the event of cutting significant protection is offered by the safety razor design against its going too deep).
I have used safety razors before, Mach 3 type multiple bladed steel and plastic devices, and even, for a while, a straight razor (though I did not shave my head in those days and shaved less frequently and less of my face as I had a larger beard then - I now shave more frequently and larger areas of my face as well as my head... ). I would not venture to regularly shave as much of my face as I do now and certainly not my head with a straight razor, given my memories of the result of impatience on two occasions when I was using the straight razor.
While other razors I remember using in the past may have been a little more forgiving of carelessness and inattention than the 39C, the difference does not seem to me very great. They still could 'bite' and the 39C I feel, more than any other razor I have ever used [including, given my level of skill, even the straight razor], can give a wonderfully close, precisely controlled, smooth comfortable shave.

I first purchased a Merkur 23c off of this site and was pleased with it. It was my introductory DE razor and it was non-aggressive, easy to clean, and a good value. After a few months, I found that I needed something a bit more aggressive. After scouring the internet for weeks for reviews and comments, the 39c sounded like the next logical step. Changing the blade must be done with care as it doesn't always click in parallel to the edge of the razor. It's heavy, but with a good blade (Astra SP's are my choice), it gives an unbelievably close and smooth shave. Initially I did get a few more nicks than I was use to, but after a few shaves irritation free is easy. Highly recommended.

Like a fine sports car, this razor requires skill and awareness to tame its “aggressive” nature. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and you’ll drive your way to a close, irritation-free shave every time. It slices through 3 days of growth with ease and achieves super-smooth results in only two passes. I have an extremely sensitive neck area, and the Sledgehammer has served to reduce irritation there by 90% or more due to its superior cutting ability.

I got the Merkur 39C as my first safety razor. The learning curve is fairly high I would say as it weighs a lot more than the Gillette Fusion I was using. This razor might not be the best choice for a first timer but once I got used to it and learned how to properly shave the difference is amazing, I have really coarse hair that grows in multiple directions pairing this Merkur with Feather blades is amazing. Zero razor burn no tugging on the hairs like I was feeling with the Fusion, I'll never go back.

Just got this razor. Fendrihan did an excellent job as usual in getting this product to me quickly and expertly packaged. Razor has a excellent weight and feel in the hand. I like the longer handle. Very close shave and pleasant to use. The next day my face still felt smooth. Not as intimidating as I thought it would be. I look forward to using this razor over the others. Nicely done Merkur.

OH what a fine razor!! I was kind of hesitant on my first shave because of the rep of this beast but I went ahead cautiously and wow was I surprised.this one beats them all for a close shave. WHAT A PLEASURE TO USE

This razor is truly amazing, it is a very close shave, has to be the best Safety razor shave possible. Its a very solid and heavy razor, feels great in your hand. The blade is locked down and never loosens unlike other DE razors I've tried. As far as blades go I've tried Shark, Astra and the Merkur blade which all worked very well, only the Gardilla blade seemed thin and chattered but still decent. I don't think I have tough skin but I had no issues cutting myself, I was cautious at first because of the reviews I read here but eventually sped up, it doesn't seem any less safe than a regular DE razor, no patience required. There is no difference between sides, I can turn over the razor and keep on shaving exactly the same way. This is now my daily razor, I keep the straight razor for the days I have the time.
This razor shaves with ease and plows through a thick growth easily undoubtedly another advantage of the slant.

I had been using my 34C HD from Fendrihan for the past year and a half and felt I wanted to try something slightly more aggressive. After doing some research and reading reviews, I decided to order the sledgehammer.
When my package was listed as shipped and delivered by Canada Post I had not actually received it. I notified Fendrihan and they filed a claim with CP and days later another one was re-shipped at no extra charge. Amazing! The customer service in the email follow ups was fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my new sledgehammer. It's the perfect progression up from the 34C HD...one smooth glide. Do not hesitate to pick up this razor!

The first time I used it with a Feather yellow blade, I felt very happy for the close shave but very upset because I had a lot of knicks and irritation. I was ready to just give it to a friend of mine who has very thick facial hair. I decided to give it another try a couple of days later and the second shave it was as good as the first one with just much less irritation. More experience was needed from my part, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a "Mustang" of a razor as the Merkur 39C. Now I use it twice a week with the Precision blades that are a bit less sharp than the Feather and I LOVE IT. Very well balanced, heavy, long handle and beautiful finish. The sledgehammer rivals my Edwin Jagger. It is awesome.

This has become my favorite razor. For my sensitive skin and tough beard it is the perfect combination. Since it is more efficient, less effort is needed to get a smooth shave and thus I get less irritation (actually no irritation). Don't be afraid of trying it. It may look scary but in use it is anything but and is very intuitive. I have yet to get a nick or even a single weeper from this razor. I haven't even had the inclination to use my other razors since getting this one. It's that good.

Everything I ever heard about slant razors came true with this razor. I get a comfortable, extremely close shave that, because of the angle (slant) of the blade, slices through your beard more efficiently than a straight cut razor (compare a guillotine to a butcher knife -- the slight angle just slides through the beard). It's heavy and definitely makes a great second razor, and as I've read a thousand times, you have to try it, you just have to try it to see what everyone is saying.

I love shaving with my Sledgehammer, it is one of my most enjoyable shaves out of my DE collection. It has a nice grip to it and for an aggressive razor, it feels great on the face. I like my razors with some heft and the Sledgehammer delivers. The weight of it makes it so the I do not have to put any pressure on it at all, so I just relax and let the razor do all the work.

This has to be the best razor in history. I was a little skeptical as to how different it could be from other razors that I had tried, but I requested it as a birthday present nonetheless. It is a vicious-looking beast, described by a review that I read as looking "like the front end of Lucifer's pickup truck" which - while dramatic - is rather apt. When shaving with this, there is a very different sound than the "popping" which I have gotten with straight-on Weishi and Merkur DE units. Still seems like you can hear every hair cutting, but the sound has changed. Because it is so sharp, slanted, and has so much blade exposed, it is very easy to carve your face like so much clay - I did take a shallow but sizable swathe from my chin on the first shave, but otherwise there were remarkably fewer nicks than on some occasions. The lesson here is that you genuinely must use the lightest touch you can imagine - the weight of this beefy razor will do the shaving for you, and it will do the best job you can even imagine. Respect it, but do not fear it - this is one incredible double-edge razor.

Just had my first shave with the Sledgehammer Slant. Because I'd read so much scary stuff about how dangerous the razor is, I used a cheap drugstore blade. Two days of stubble, and I got one of the best shaves ever. BBS, not a nick or a scratch. LOVE this razor, and next time I'm using a Feather blade.

I have tried several DE razors looking for the perfect shave.
The closest I had come to a BBS shave was with a vintage
Gillette Red Tip, even the old adjustable's did not quite cut it.
(no pun intended)
The Merkur Slant Sledgehammer has a perfect balance and weight to do the job while not feeling like an aggressive razor, delivering a BBS shave every time.
The closest thing to a straight razor shave I have in my razor rotation. Nice looking piece of machinery as well!

I feel the 39C Slant Sledgehammer is a treasure (the name made me hesitate briefly when thinking about ordering it, wondering why a razor would be compared to a sledgehammer until I figured the point was simply its weight). I am astonished how much I like this razor. I feel it allows more of the control - for example allowing a close shave right up to the edge of my beard - that previously only a straight razor seemed to offer but the 39C provides the significant convenience and safety of a safety razor (less precision of technique seems required for a good shave than with a straight razor and besides its being easier to shave without cuts, in the event of cutting significant protection is offered by the safety razor design against its going too deep).
I have used safety razors before, Mach 3 type multiple bladed steel and plastic devices, and even, for a while, a straight razor (though I did not shave my head in those days and shaved less frequently and less of my face as I had a larger beard then - I now shave more frequently and larger areas of my face as well as my head... ). I would not venture to regularly shave as much of my face as I do now and certainly not my head with a straight razor, given my memories of the result of impatience on two occasions when I was using the straight razor.
While other razors I remember using in the past may have been a little more forgiving of carelessness and inattention than the 39C, the difference does not seem to me very great. They still could 'bite' and the 39C I feel, more than any other razor I have ever used [including, given my level of skill, even the straight razor], can give a wonderfully close, precisely controlled, smooth comfortable shave.

I first purchased a Merkur 23c off of this site and was pleased with it. It was my introductory DE razor and it was non-aggressive, easy to clean, and a good value. After a few months, I found that I needed something a bit more aggressive. After scouring the internet for weeks for reviews and comments, the 39c sounded like the next logical step. Changing the blade must be done with care as it doesn't always click in parallel to the edge of the razor. It's heavy, but with a good blade (Astra SP's are my choice), it gives an unbelievably close and smooth shave. Initially I did get a few more nicks than I was use to, but after a few shaves irritation free is easy. Highly recommended.

I bought this razor from Fendrihan and it arrived on time and well packaged. The razor is hefty and solid-feeling; built to outlast it's buyer. I've tried both Feather blades and Personna (from Israel), and I'm very impressed with with the Sledgehammer so far. I'm going to try Shark blades next. The only caveat I have (and reason for me giving 4 rather than 5 stars) is that from my experience, you really have to take your time if you want a really close shave. I usually shave with the grain, across the grain, and finally, against the grain, and have found this razor requires some additional care and time...otherwise you can easily cut yourself quite easily. If you're willing to be a little patient, however, you'll have a great shave with this razor.

Started 3 yrs ago with a 23C ( excellent choice), then went with a 38C (very pleased). Then wanted less irritation so switched to the slant, thinking that the 39C would require less adjusting to when switching as its the same handle as the 38C. Wrong choice for me.
The slant gives me wonderful, close shaves with even less irritation than the 38C and takes less time to get there. Only drawback is the handle which I consider too long and heavy for this type of shaving head, I find that it reduces the maneuverability of the razor.
Ordering the traditional slant today and will be putting my 39C on Kijiji.

Like a fine sports car, this razor requires skill and awareness to tame its “aggressive” nature. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and you’ll drive your way to a close, irritation-free shave every time. It slices through 3 days of growth with ease and achieves super-smooth results in only two passes. I have an extremely sensitive neck area, and the Sledgehammer has served to reduce irritation there by 90% or more due to its superior cutting ability.

I got the Merkur 39C as my first safety razor. The learning curve is fairly high I would say as it weighs a lot more than the Gillette Fusion I was using. This razor might not be the best choice for a first timer but once I got used to it and learned how to properly shave the difference is amazing, I have really coarse hair that grows in multiple directions pairing this Merkur with Feather blades is amazing. Zero razor burn no tugging on the hairs like I was feeling with the Fusion, I'll never go back.

Just got this razor. Fendrihan did an excellent job as usual in getting this product to me quickly and expertly packaged. Razor has a excellent weight and feel in the hand. I like the longer handle. Very close shave and pleasant to use. The next day my face still felt smooth. Not as intimidating as I thought it would be. I look forward to using this razor over the others. Nicely done Merkur.

OH what a fine razor!! I was kind of hesitant on my first shave because of the rep of this beast but I went ahead cautiously and wow was I surprised.this one beats them all for a close shave. WHAT A PLEASURE TO USE

This razor is truly amazing, it is a very close shave, has to be the best Safety razor shave possible. Its a very solid and heavy razor, feels great in your hand. The blade is locked down and never loosens unlike other DE razors I've tried. As far as blades go I've tried Shark, Astra and the Merkur blade which all worked very well, only the Gardilla blade seemed thin and chattered but still decent. I don't think I have tough skin but I had no issues cutting myself, I was cautious at first because of the reviews I read here but eventually sped up, it doesn't seem any less safe than a regular DE razor, no patience required. There is no difference between sides, I can turn over the razor and keep on shaving exactly the same way. This is now my daily razor, I keep the straight razor for the days I have the time.
This razor shaves with ease and plows through a thick growth easily undoubtedly another advantage of the slant.

I had been using my 34C HD from Fendrihan for the past year and a half and felt I wanted to try something slightly more aggressive. After doing some research and reading reviews, I decided to order the sledgehammer.
When my package was listed as shipped and delivered by Canada Post I had not actually received it. I notified Fendrihan and they filed a claim with CP and days later another one was re-shipped at no extra charge. Amazing! The customer service in the email follow ups was fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my new sledgehammer. It's the perfect progression up from the 34C HD...one smooth glide. Do not hesitate to pick up this razor!

The first time I used it with a Feather yellow blade, I felt very happy for the close shave but very upset because I had a lot of knicks and irritation. I was ready to just give it to a friend of mine who has very thick facial hair. I decided to give it another try a couple of days later and the second shave it was as good as the first one with just much less irritation. More experience was needed from my part, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a "Mustang" of a razor as the Merkur 39C. Now I use it twice a week with the Precision blades that are a bit less sharp than the Feather and I LOVE IT. Very well balanced, heavy, long handle and beautiful finish. The sledgehammer rivals my Edwin Jagger. It is awesome.

This has become my favorite razor. For my sensitive skin and tough beard it is the perfect combination. Since it is more efficient, less effort is needed to get a smooth shave and thus I get less irritation (actually no irritation). Don't be afraid of trying it. It may look scary but in use it is anything but and is very intuitive. I have yet to get a nick or even a single weeper from this razor. I haven't even had the inclination to use my other razors since getting this one. It's that good.

Everything I ever heard about slant razors came true with this razor. I get a comfortable, extremely close shave that, because of the angle (slant) of the blade, slices through your beard more efficiently than a straight cut razor (compare a guillotine to a butcher knife -- the slight angle just slides through the beard). It's heavy and definitely makes a great second razor, and as I've read a thousand times, you have to try it, you just have to try it to see what everyone is saying.

I love shaving with my Sledgehammer, it is one of my most enjoyable shaves out of my DE collection. It has a nice grip to it and for an aggressive razor, it feels great on the face. I like my razors with some heft and the Sledgehammer delivers. The weight of it makes it so the I do not have to put any pressure on it at all, so I just relax and let the razor do all the work.

This has to be the best razor in history. I was a little skeptical as to how different it could be from other razors that I had tried, but I requested it as a birthday present nonetheless. It is a vicious-looking beast, described by a review that I read as looking "like the front end of Lucifer's pickup truck" which - while dramatic - is rather apt. When shaving with this, there is a very different sound than the "popping" which I have gotten with straight-on Weishi and Merkur DE units. Still seems like you can hear every hair cutting, but the sound has changed. Because it is so sharp, slanted, and has so much blade exposed, it is very easy to carve your face like so much clay - I did take a shallow but sizable swathe from my chin on the first shave, but otherwise there were remarkably fewer nicks than on some occasions. The lesson here is that you genuinely must use the lightest touch you can imagine - the weight of this beefy razor will do the shaving for you, and it will do the best job you can even imagine. Respect it, but do not fear it - this is one incredible double-edge razor.

Just had my first shave with the Sledgehammer Slant. Because I'd read so much scary stuff about how dangerous the razor is, I used a cheap drugstore blade. Two days of stubble, and I got one of the best shaves ever. BBS, not a nick or a scratch. LOVE this razor, and next time I'm using a Feather blade.

I have tried several DE razors looking for the perfect shave.
The closest I had come to a BBS shave was with a vintage
Gillette Red Tip, even the old adjustable's did not quite cut it.
(no pun intended)
The Merkur Slant Sledgehammer has a perfect balance and weight to do the job while not feeling like an aggressive razor, delivering a BBS shave every time.
The closest thing to a straight razor shave I have in my razor rotation. Nice looking piece of machinery as well!

I feel the 39C Slant Sledgehammer is a treasure (the name made me hesitate briefly when thinking about ordering it, wondering why a razor would be compared to a sledgehammer until I figured the point was simply its weight). I am astonished how much I like this razor. I feel it allows more of the control - for example allowing a close shave right up to the edge of my beard - that previously only a straight razor seemed to offer but the 39C provides the significant convenience and safety of a safety razor (less precision of technique seems required for a good shave than with a straight razor and besides its being easier to shave without cuts, in the event of cutting significant protection is offered by the safety razor design against its going too deep).
I have used safety razors before, Mach 3 type multiple bladed steel and plastic devices, and even, for a while, a straight razor (though I did not shave my head in those days and shaved less frequently and less of my face as I had a larger beard then - I now shave more frequently and larger areas of my face as well as my head... ). I would not venture to regularly shave as much of my face as I do now and certainly not my head with a straight razor, given my memories of the result of impatience on two occasions when I was using the straight razor.
While other razors I remember using in the past may have been a little more forgiving of carelessness and inattention than the 39C, the difference does not seem to me very great. They still could 'bite' and the 39C I feel, more than any other razor I have ever used [including, given my level of skill, even the straight razor], can give a wonderfully close, precisely controlled, smooth comfortable shave.

I first purchased a Merkur 23c off of this site and was pleased with it. It was my introductory DE razor and it was non-aggressive, easy to clean, and a good value. After a few months, I found that I needed something a bit more aggressive. After scouring the internet for weeks for reviews and comments, the 39c sounded like the next logical step. Changing the blade must be done with care as it doesn't always click in parallel to the edge of the razor. It's heavy, but with a good blade (Astra SP's are my choice), it gives an unbelievably close and smooth shave. Initially I did get a few more nicks than I was use to, but after a few shaves irritation free is easy. Highly recommended.

I bought this razor from Fendrihan and it arrived on time and well packaged. The razor is hefty and solid-feeling; built to outlast it's buyer. I've tried both Feather blades and Personna (from Israel), and I'm very impressed with with the Sledgehammer so far. I'm going to try Shark blades next. The only caveat I have (and reason for me giving 4 rather than 5 stars) is that from my experience, you really have to take your time if you want a really close shave. I usually shave with the grain, across the grain, and finally, against the grain, and have found this razor requires some additional care and time...otherwise you can easily cut yourself quite easily. If you're willing to be a little patient, however, you'll have a great shave with this razor.

Started 3 yrs ago with a 23C ( excellent choice), then went with a 38C (very pleased). Then wanted less irritation so switched to the slant, thinking that the 39C would require less adjusting to when switching as its the same handle as the 38C. Wrong choice for me.
The slant gives me wonderful, close shaves with even less irritation than the 38C and takes less time to get there. Only drawback is the handle which I consider too long and heavy for this type of shaving head, I find that it reduces the maneuverability of the razor.
Ordering the traditional slant today and will be putting my 39C on Kijiji.

I had been using my 34C HD from Fendrihan for the past year and a half and felt I wanted to try something slightly more aggressive. After doing some research and reading reviews, I decided to order the sledgehammer.
When my package was listed as shipped and delivered by Canada Post I had not actually received it. I notified Fendrihan and they filed a claim with CP and days later another one was re-shipped at no extra charge. Amazing! The customer service in the email follow ups was fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my new sledgehammer. It's the perfect progression up from the 34C HD...one smooth glide. Do not hesitate to pick up this razor!

The first time I used it with a Feather yellow blade, I felt very happy for the close shave but very upset because I had a lot of knicks and irritation. I was ready to just give it to a friend of mine who has very thick facial hair. I decided to give it another try a couple of days later and the second shave it was as good as the first one with just much less irritation. More experience was needed from my part, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a "Mustang" of a razor as the Merkur 39C. Now I use it twice a week with the Precision blades that are a bit less sharp than the Feather and I LOVE IT. Very well balanced, heavy, long handle and beautiful finish. The sledgehammer rivals my Edwin Jagger. It is awesome.

OH what a fine razor!! I was kind of hesitant on my first shave because of the rep of this beast but I went ahead cautiously and wow was I surprised.this one beats them all for a close shave. WHAT A PLEASURE TO USE

This razor is truly amazing, it is a very close shave, has to be the best Safety razor shave possible. Its a very solid and heavy razor, feels great in your hand. The blade is locked down and never loosens unlike other DE razors I've tried. As far as blades go I've tried Shark, Astra and the Merkur blade which all worked very well, only the Gardilla blade seemed thin and chattered but still decent. I don't think I have tough skin but I had no issues cutting myself, I was cautious at first because of the reviews I read here but eventually sped up, it doesn't seem any less safe than a regular DE razor, no patience required. There is no difference between sides, I can turn over the razor and keep on shaving exactly the same way. This is now my daily razor, I keep the straight razor for the days I have the time.
This razor shaves with ease and plows through a thick growth easily undoubtedly another advantage of the slant.

I bought this razor from Fendrihan and it arrived on time and well packaged. The razor is hefty and solid-feeling; built to outlast it's buyer. I've tried both Feather blades and Personna (from Israel), and I'm very impressed with with the Sledgehammer so far. I'm going to try Shark blades next. The only caveat I have (and reason for me giving 4 rather than 5 stars) is that from my experience, you really have to take your time if you want a really close shave. I usually shave with the grain, across the grain, and finally, against the grain, and have found this razor requires some additional care and time...otherwise you can easily cut yourself quite easily. If you're willing to be a little patient, however, you'll have a great shave with this razor.

I love shaving with my Sledgehammer, it is one of my most enjoyable shaves out of my DE collection. It has a nice grip to it and for an aggressive razor, it feels great on the face. I like my razors with some heft and the Sledgehammer delivers. The weight of it makes it so the I do not have to put any pressure on it at all, so I just relax and let the razor do all the work.

Just had my first shave with the Sledgehammer Slant. Because I'd read so much scary stuff about how dangerous the razor is, I used a cheap drugstore blade. Two days of stubble, and I got one of the best shaves ever. BBS, not a nick or a scratch. LOVE this razor, and next time I'm using a Feather blade.

I have tried several DE razors looking for the perfect shave.
The closest I had come to a BBS shave was with a vintage
Gillette Red Tip, even the old adjustable's did not quite cut it.
(no pun intended)
The Merkur Slant Sledgehammer has a perfect balance and weight to do the job while not feeling like an aggressive razor, delivering a BBS shave every time.
The closest thing to a straight razor shave I have in my razor rotation. Nice looking piece of machinery as well!

I feel the 39C Slant Sledgehammer is a treasure (the name made me hesitate briefly when thinking about ordering it, wondering why a razor would be compared to a sledgehammer until I figured the point was simply its weight). I am astonished how much I like this razor. I feel it allows more of the control - for example allowing a close shave right up to the edge of my beard - that previously only a straight razor seemed to offer but the 39C provides the significant convenience and safety of a safety razor (less precision of technique seems required for a good shave than with a straight razor and besides its being easier to shave without cuts, in the event of cutting significant protection is offered by the safety razor design against its going too deep).
I have used safety razors before, Mach 3 type multiple bladed steel and plastic devices, and even, for a while, a straight razor (though I did not shave my head in those days and shaved less frequently and less of my face as I had a larger beard then - I now shave more frequently and larger areas of my face as well as my head... ). I would not venture to regularly shave as much of my face as I do now and certainly not my head with a straight razor, given my memories of the result of impatience on two occasions when I was using the straight razor.
While other razors I remember using in the past may have been a little more forgiving of carelessness and inattention than the 39C, the difference does not seem to me very great. They still could 'bite' and the 39C I feel, more than any other razor I have ever used [including, given my level of skill, even the straight razor], can give a wonderfully close, precisely controlled, smooth comfortable shave.

Like a fine sports car, this razor requires skill and awareness to tame its “aggressive” nature. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and you’ll drive your way to a close, irritation-free shave every time. It slices through 3 days of growth with ease and achieves super-smooth results in only two passes. I have an extremely sensitive neck area, and the Sledgehammer has served to reduce irritation there by 90% or more due to its superior cutting ability.

I got the Merkur 39C as my first safety razor. The learning curve is fairly high I would say as it weighs a lot more than the Gillette Fusion I was using. This razor might not be the best choice for a first timer but once I got used to it and learned how to properly shave the difference is amazing, I have really coarse hair that grows in multiple directions pairing this Merkur with Feather blades is amazing. Zero razor burn no tugging on the hairs like I was feeling with the Fusion, I'll never go back.

Just got this razor. Fendrihan did an excellent job as usual in getting this product to me quickly and expertly packaged. Razor has a excellent weight and feel in the hand. I like the longer handle. Very close shave and pleasant to use. The next day my face still felt smooth. Not as intimidating as I thought it would be. I look forward to using this razor over the others. Nicely done Merkur.

This has become my favorite razor. For my sensitive skin and tough beard it is the perfect combination. Since it is more efficient, less effort is needed to get a smooth shave and thus I get less irritation (actually no irritation). Don't be afraid of trying it. It may look scary but in use it is anything but and is very intuitive. I have yet to get a nick or even a single weeper from this razor. I haven't even had the inclination to use my other razors since getting this one. It's that good.

Everything I ever heard about slant razors came true with this razor. I get a comfortable, extremely close shave that, because of the angle (slant) of the blade, slices through your beard more efficiently than a straight cut razor (compare a guillotine to a butcher knife -- the slight angle just slides through the beard). It's heavy and definitely makes a great second razor, and as I've read a thousand times, you have to try it, you just have to try it to see what everyone is saying.

This has to be the best razor in history. I was a little skeptical as to how different it could be from other razors that I had tried, but I requested it as a birthday present nonetheless. It is a vicious-looking beast, described by a review that I read as looking "like the front end of Lucifer's pickup truck" which - while dramatic - is rather apt. When shaving with this, there is a very different sound than the "popping" which I have gotten with straight-on Weishi and Merkur DE units. Still seems like you can hear every hair cutting, but the sound has changed. Because it is so sharp, slanted, and has so much blade exposed, it is very easy to carve your face like so much clay - I did take a shallow but sizable swathe from my chin on the first shave, but otherwise there were remarkably fewer nicks than on some occasions. The lesson here is that you genuinely must use the lightest touch you can imagine - the weight of this beefy razor will do the shaving for you, and it will do the best job you can even imagine. Respect it, but do not fear it - this is one incredible double-edge razor.

I first purchased a Merkur 23c off of this site and was pleased with it. It was my introductory DE razor and it was non-aggressive, easy to clean, and a good value. After a few months, I found that I needed something a bit more aggressive. After scouring the internet for weeks for reviews and comments, the 39c sounded like the next logical step. Changing the blade must be done with care as it doesn't always click in parallel to the edge of the razor. It's heavy, but with a good blade (Astra SP's are my choice), it gives an unbelievably close and smooth shave. Initially I did get a few more nicks than I was use to, but after a few shaves irritation free is easy. Highly recommended.

Started 3 yrs ago with a 23C ( excellent choice), then went with a 38C (very pleased). Then wanted less irritation so switched to the slant, thinking that the 39C would require less adjusting to when switching as its the same handle as the 38C. Wrong choice for me.
The slant gives me wonderful, close shaves with even less irritation than the 38C and takes less time to get there. Only drawback is the handle which I consider too long and heavy for this type of shaving head, I find that it reduces the maneuverability of the razor.
Ordering the traditional slant today and will be putting my 39C on Kijiji.

I had been using my 34C HD from Fendrihan for the past year and a half and felt I wanted to try something slightly more aggressive. After doing some research and reading reviews, I decided to order the sledgehammer.
When my package was listed as shipped and delivered by Canada Post I had not actually received it. I notified Fendrihan and they filed a claim with CP and days later another one was re-shipped at no extra charge. Amazing! The customer service in the email follow ups was fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my new sledgehammer. It's the perfect progression up from the 34C HD...one smooth glide. Do not hesitate to pick up this razor!

The first time I used it with a Feather yellow blade, I felt very happy for the close shave but very upset because I had a lot of knicks and irritation. I was ready to just give it to a friend of mine who has very thick facial hair. I decided to give it another try a couple of days later and the second shave it was as good as the first one with just much less irritation. More experience was needed from my part, to be able to enjoy and appreciate a "Mustang" of a razor as the Merkur 39C. Now I use it twice a week with the Precision blades that are a bit less sharp than the Feather and I LOVE IT. Very well balanced, heavy, long handle and beautiful finish. The sledgehammer rivals my Edwin Jagger. It is awesome.

OH what a fine razor!! I was kind of hesitant on my first shave because of the rep of this beast but I went ahead cautiously and wow was I surprised.this one beats them all for a close shave. WHAT A PLEASURE TO USE

This razor is truly amazing, it is a very close shave, has to be the best Safety razor shave possible. Its a very solid and heavy razor, feels great in your hand. The blade is locked down and never loosens unlike other DE razors I've tried. As far as blades go I've tried Shark, Astra and the Merkur blade which all worked very well, only the Gardilla blade seemed thin and chattered but still decent. I don't think I have tough skin but I had no issues cutting myself, I was cautious at first because of the reviews I read here but eventually sped up, it doesn't seem any less safe than a regular DE razor, no patience required. There is no difference between sides, I can turn over the razor and keep on shaving exactly the same way. This is now my daily razor, I keep the straight razor for the days I have the time.
This razor shaves with ease and plows through a thick growth easily undoubtedly another advantage of the slant.

I bought this razor from Fendrihan and it arrived on time and well packaged. The razor is hefty and solid-feeling; built to outlast it's buyer. I've tried both Feather blades and Personna (from Israel), and I'm very impressed with with the Sledgehammer so far. I'm going to try Shark blades next. The only caveat I have (and reason for me giving 4 rather than 5 stars) is that from my experience, you really have to take your time if you want a really close shave. I usually shave with the grain, across the grain, and finally, against the grain, and have found this razor requires some additional care and time...otherwise you can easily cut yourself quite easily. If you're willing to be a little patient, however, you'll have a great shave with this razor.

I love shaving with my Sledgehammer, it is one of my most enjoyable shaves out of my DE collection. It has a nice grip to it and for an aggressive razor, it feels great on the face. I like my razors with some heft and the Sledgehammer delivers. The weight of it makes it so the I do not have to put any pressure on it at all, so I just relax and let the razor do all the work.

Just had my first shave with the Sledgehammer Slant. Because I'd read so much scary stuff about how dangerous the razor is, I used a cheap drugstore blade. Two days of stubble, and I got one of the best shaves ever. BBS, not a nick or a scratch. LOVE this razor, and next time I'm using a Feather blade.

I have tried several DE razors looking for the perfect shave.
The closest I had come to a BBS shave was with a vintage
Gillette Red Tip, even the old adjustable's did not quite cut it.
(no pun intended)
The Merkur Slant Sledgehammer has a perfect balance and weight to do the job while not feeling like an aggressive razor, delivering a BBS shave every time.
The closest thing to a straight razor shave I have in my razor rotation. Nice looking piece of machinery as well!

I feel the 39C Slant Sledgehammer is a treasure (the name made me hesitate briefly when thinking about ordering it, wondering why a razor would be compared to a sledgehammer until I figured the point was simply its weight). I am astonished how much I like this razor. I feel it allows more of the control - for example allowing a close shave right up to the edge of my beard - that previously only a straight razor seemed to offer but the 39C provides the significant convenience and safety of a safety razor (less precision of technique seems required for a good shave than with a straight razor and besides its being easier to shave without cuts, in the event of cutting significant protection is offered by the safety razor design against its going too deep).
I have used safety razors before, Mach 3 type multiple bladed steel and plastic devices, and even, for a while, a straight razor (though I did not shave my head in those days and shaved less frequently and less of my face as I had a larger beard then - I now shave more frequently and larger areas of my face as well as my head... ). I would not venture to regularly shave as much of my face as I do now and certainly not my head with a straight razor, given my memories of the result of impatience on two occasions when I was using the straight razor.
While other razors I remember using in the past may have been a little more forgiving of carelessness and inattention than the 39C, the difference does not seem to me very great. They still could 'bite' and the 39C I feel, more than any other razor I have ever used [including, given my level of skill, even the straight razor], can give a wonderfully close, precisely controlled, smooth comfortable shave.

Like a fine sports car, this razor requires skill and awareness to tame its “aggressive” nature. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and you’ll drive your way to a close, irritation-free shave every time. It slices through 3 days of growth with ease and achieves super-smooth results in only two passes. I have an extremely sensitive neck area, and the Sledgehammer has served to reduce irritation there by 90% or more due to its superior cutting ability.

I got the Merkur 39C as my first safety razor. The learning curve is fairly high I would say as it weighs a lot more than the Gillette Fusion I was using. This razor might not be the best choice for a first timer but once I got used to it and learned how to properly shave the difference is amazing, I have really coarse hair that grows in multiple directions pairing this Merkur with Feather blades is amazing. Zero razor burn no tugging on the hairs like I was feeling with the Fusion, I'll never go back.

Just got this razor. Fendrihan did an excellent job as usual in getting this product to me quickly and expertly packaged. Razor has a excellent weight and feel in the hand. I like the longer handle. Very close shave and pleasant to use. The next day my face still felt smooth. Not as intimidating as I thought it would be. I look forward to using this razor over the others. Nicely done Merkur.

This has become my favorite razor. For my sensitive skin and tough beard it is the perfect combination. Since it is more efficient, less effort is needed to get a smooth shave and thus I get less irritation (actually no irritation). Don't be afraid of trying it. It may look scary but in use it is anything but and is very intuitive. I have yet to get a nick or even a single weeper from this razor. I haven't even had the inclination to use my other razors since getting this one. It's that good.

Everything I ever heard about slant razors came true with this razor. I get a comfortable, extremely close shave that, because of the angle (slant) of the blade, slices through your beard more efficiently than a straight cut razor (compare a guillotine to a butcher knife -- the slight angle just slides through the beard). It's heavy and definitely makes a great second razor, and as I've read a thousand times, you have to try it, you just have to try it to see what everyone is saying.

This has to be the best razor in history. I was a little skeptical as to how different it could be from other razors that I had tried, but I requested it as a birthday present nonetheless. It is a vicious-looking beast, described by a review that I read as looking "like the front end of Lucifer's pickup truck" which - while dramatic - is rather apt. When shaving with this, there is a very different sound than the "popping" which I have gotten with straight-on Weishi and Merkur DE units. Still seems like you can hear every hair cutting, but the sound has changed. Because it is so sharp, slanted, and has so much blade exposed, it is very easy to carve your face like so much clay - I did take a shallow but sizable swathe from my chin on the first shave, but otherwise there were remarkably fewer nicks than on some occasions. The lesson here is that you genuinely must use the lightest touch you can imagine - the weight of this beefy razor will do the shaving for you, and it will do the best job you can even imagine. Respect it, but do not fear it - this is one incredible double-edge razor.

I first purchased a Merkur 23c off of this site and was pleased with it. It was my introductory DE razor and it was non-aggressive, easy to clean, and a good value. After a few months, I found that I needed something a bit more aggressive. After scouring the internet for weeks for reviews and comments, the 39c sounded like the next logical step. Changing the blade must be done with care as it doesn't always click in parallel to the edge of the razor. It's heavy, but with a good blade (Astra SP's are my choice), it gives an unbelievably close and smooth shave. Initially I did get a few more nicks than I was use to, but after a few shaves irritation free is easy. Highly recommended.

Started 3 yrs ago with a 23C ( excellent choice), then went with a 38C (very pleased). Then wanted less irritation so switched to the slant, thinking that the 39C would require less adjusting to when switching as its the same handle as the 38C. Wrong choice for me.
The slant gives me wonderful, close shaves with even less irritation than the 38C and takes less time to get there. Only drawback is the handle which I consider too long and heavy for this type of shaving head, I find that it reduces the maneuverability of the razor.
Ordering the traditional slant today and will be putting my 39C on Kijiji.